Cheteshwar Pujara announced retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24. In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, the former batter explained why he was quitting and also spoke about his journey.
On retirement, he said he was leaving behind a legacy that should inspire young and aspiring players in Saurashtra to play for India.
“Talking about the retirement call, I spoke to my family, friends and consulted a few seniors. I felt it is the right time to step out and give chances to the really talented young players in Saurashtra, for them to be a part of the playing 11 and get the exposure required to take the team forward,” he said.
Pujara said that he wanted to play for India since his days as a junior cricketer in Saurashtra.
“I always dreamt of playing for the country and when I got an opportunity to represent the U-19 Indian team, it became one of the proudest moments of my life, and since then my career has progressed,” he said.
He recalled how huge the moment was when he became a part of the senior Indian team. Meeting the legends he grew up idolising was a massive experience.
“Then in 2010 came the opportunity to be a part of the Indian team and play with some of the legends that I have grown up watching. It was yet again a very proud moment for me.”
Pujara appeared in 103 Tests scoring 7,195 runs. His last appearance was in 2023.
“As a sportsperson you always have ups and downs, but when I look back at my cricketing journey, I think I have been really fortunate to have represented my country for so long. I managed to play more than a hundred Test matches for the Indian team,” said Pujara.
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